Varenicline

Varenicline is a selective nicotine-receptor partial agonist, specifically designed to target the nicotine receptors in the brain, which are integral to addiction and cravings.

Varenicline works by partially stimulating these receptors, mimicking some of the effects of nicotine but at a much lower intensity.

This helps to reduce cravings for cigarettes and alleviate withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced when an individual stops smoking.

In addition to reducing cravings, Varenicline blocks nicotine from accessing these receptors.

When nicotine from a cigarette enters the brain, it normally binds to nicotinic receptors, triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with short-term pleasure and reward.

By preventing nicotine from binding to these receptors, Varenicline counteracts the pleasurable effects of smoking.

Start the treatment 1 to 2 weeks before your planned quit-smoking date. Take Varenicline tablets whole with water, with or without food, beginning with one 0.5mg tablet per day for the first three days.

From days 4 to 7, take two 0.5mg tablets per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

From day 8 until the end of treatment, take two 1mg tablets per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

Varenicline treatment typically lasts for 12 weeks. For individuals who successfully quit smoking during this initial period, an additional 12-week course at a dose of 1mg twice daily is recommended to help prevent relapse, extending the total treatment duration to 24 weeks.

If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular schedule - do not take an extra dose to make up for the one missed.

Research has shown that Varenicline is significantly more effective than other smoking cessation treatments, such as bupropion (commonly known as Zyban 150mg).

In a comparative study, 44% of participants who used Varenicline successfully quit smoking after 9 to 12 weeks of treatment. This was notably higher than the success rate of 29.7% for those using bupropion and 17.7% for those given a placebo.

Individuals taking the following types of medication cannot take Varenicline unless they are advised to do so by a pharmacist or doctor:

• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications - Varenicline can interact with these medications, potentially intensifying side effects such as mood changes or dizziness.
• Blood thinners such as Warfarin - individuals taking blood thinners may need to adjust the dosage of the blood thinning medication as Varenicline can affect blood clotting times. Additionally, individuals taking any medication for cardiovascular issues should consult a doctor before taking Varenicline.
• Other smoking cessation treatments - Combining Varenicline with nicotine replacement treatments, such as nicotine patches and/or gum, may increase the side effects of treatment.

Varenicline may also interact with medications for other conditions, such as Theophylline (an asthma treatment) and insulin (a diabetes medication).

It is recommended to consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking Varenicline with any type of medication.

If you miss a dose of Varenicline, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within 3 to 4 hours of your next dose. If the missed dose is within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue treatment as normal.

Varenicline is a partial nicotine receptor agonist, which means it binds to and partially activates nicotine receptors to mimic the effects of nicotine.

Therefore, it is not advisable to combine Varenicline with smoking cessation aids that contain nicotine, as doing so can lead to excessive stimulation of nicotine receptors in the brain, potentially resulting in side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Always consult a pharmacist or GP before taking any type of smoking cessation treatment.

Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to alcohol while taking Varenicline.

Alcohol consumption can affect the central nervous system, and Varenicline may enhance this effect by altering the brain's neurotransmitter response, potentially increasing the effects of alcohol on the brain and body.

This means that even a small amount of alcohol could lead to stronger-than-expected symptoms. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption and monitor how you respond.

We recommend discussing your alcohol use with your healthcare provider before taking Varenicline to stop smoking.

Varenicline is often referred to as ‘generic Champix’, as it contains the same active ingredient as Champix, known as varenicline tartrate. Therefore, Varenicline is medically identical to Champix and equally effective at helping individuals quit smoking.

Varenicline was reintroduced to the UK at the end of 2024 after being approved as safe by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency.

Champix was disapproved for sale in the UK after an impurity was discovered in its formulation. Varenicline (generic Champix) does not contain this impurity, which is why it replaced Champix and is approved as safe by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency.

Varenicline is a safe, effective, and MHRA-approved alternative to Champix. It has replaced Champix as the best smoking cessation treatment in the UK since Champix was disapproved for sale in 2021.

Varenicline is not available over the counter, as it is a prescription-only medication. If you wish to buy Varenicline, you can complete our free online consultation for smoking cessation treatment, after which our pharmacy team will assess treatment suitability.

If the pharmacy team determines that you are suitable for treatment based on your medical assessment for Varenicline, you will be issued a free prescription to buy Varenicline.

The medical assessment we conduct as part of our online consultation helps maximise patient safety by accounting for key factors that can affect treatment, including the interaction between Varenicline and a patient’s existing health conditions, the medication they are currently using, and more.

Varenicline can be bought by eligible individuals who obtain a prescription after completing our free online consultation for smoking cessation treatment.

Our medical consultation helps our pharmacy team make an informed decision regarding whether Varenicline is a suitable option to help you quit smoking.

If your medical history is compatible with Varenicline, and there are no contraindications, then our pharmacy team will issue you a free prescription.

Individuals who are issued a prescription for Varenicline will also be required to select a treatment plan, which includes starting with a two-week starter pack and continuing with maintenance packs until the individual successfully stops smoking.

The standard treatment course for Varenicline lasts for 12 weeks, which is enough time for most individuals to quit smoking successfully.

It is recommended to start taking Varenicline between 1 and 2 weeks before the planned quit-smoking date, as this ensures there is sufficient time for the medication to start working and gradually reduce nicotine cravings.

The starting course of treatment for Varenicline consists of lower initial doses at 0.5mg, followed by a higher dose of 1mg after the first week, lasting for up to 12 weeks.

Individuals who successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks are required to take a follow-up 12-week course to help reduce the probability of relapse.

It is worth noting the time taken to stop smoking using Varenicline also depends on the individual’s personal willpower to quit smoking. Individuals who are more motivated to quit will stop smoking with Varenicline sooner.

Many individuals quit smoking once they stop taking Varenicline after completing the full 12-week course of treatment followed by the additional recommended 12-week course to prevent a relapse.

Some individuals may feel the urge to resume smoking once they stop taking Varenicline, due to a reversion to previous nicotine addiction resulting from the medication no longer acting on nicotine receptors in the brain to prevent cravings.

Individuals who still feel the urge to smoke after stopping treatment with Varenicline are recommended to consult a pharmacist or GP about the next steps.

While it is possible to smoke while taking Varenicline, it is not pleasurable nor advisable to do so, as Varenicline is designed to reduce the enjoyment of nicotine products such as cigarettes.

Varenicline blocks nicotine from fully stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain to help reduce the pleasurable effects of smoking. If you continue to smoke while using Varenicline, then the nicotine from cigarettes could overstimulate nicotine receptors, increasing the risk of side effects such as nausea.

This is why we only prescribe Varenicline to patients who understand that willpower plays an essential role in successfully quitting smoking using Varenicline.

Varenicline contains varenicline tartrate, an active ingredient that partially stimulates nicotine receptors in the brain to mimic the effects of nicotine, but at a much lower intensity than the nicotine found in smoking products.

In contrast, nicotine replacement treatments such as patches and gums contain nicotine, which can make them addictive.